But she was fearful this offence could have been a prelude to something much more serious.

Some analysts pointed out that the killing was a likely prelude to talks in which Russia and Ukraine will each desperately seek to avoid negotiating from a position of perceived weakness.

Workers feared that it was a prelude to a future in which AI displaced jobs throughout Hollywood.

Israeli troops have continued clearing northern Gaza of inhabitants, calling for mass evacuations that many rights groups contend are a prelude to Israel’s occupation of parts of the enclave.

That was a prelude to last week’s vote by council leaders - by a margin of 18 to 14 - to walk away from negotiations.